PRP recovery takes 24 to 48 hours with no downtime, no incisions, and no visible signs by the second day. Platelet-rich plasma injections cause temporary scalp redness, mild swelling, and tenderness at the injection sites, all of which resolve quickly with proper aftercare.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
What Happens Immediately After PRP
During a PRP session, your provider draws a small volume of blood (typically 20 to 60ml), processes it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injects the concentrated plasma into the scalp at thinning areas using a fine needle or cannula.
The session itself takes 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, you walk out of the clinic. There is no bandaging, no wound dressing, and no anesthesia wearing off (most providers use only topical numbing or nerve blocks).
Hour-by-Hour Recovery Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 0-2 hours | Scalp redness at injection sites, mild throbbing, possible small bumps |
| 2-6 hours | Redness starts to fade, tenderness peaks then reduces |
| 6-12 hours | Swelling at its maximum (still minor), injection marks fading |
| 12-24 hours | Most redness gone, tenderness minimal |
| 24-48 hours | Fully normal appearance, no visible signs of treatment |
| 48-72 hours | All restrictions lifted, full activity resumes |
The injection sites themselves are pinpoint-sized. Because PRP uses your own blood product, allergic reactions are essentially nonexistent. Infection risk is extremely low when performed in a sterile clinical setting.
Managing Redness and Swelling
Redness
Scalp redness is the most visible post-treatment effect. It comes from the needle penetrations and the inflammatory response triggered by the concentrated platelets (this inflammation is actually how PRP works, so you do not want to suppress it completely).
To minimize visible redness:
- Wear a loose-fitting hat or cap when leaving the clinic. Avoid tight-fitting hats that press against the scalp.
- Do not apply ice directly to the scalp. While tempting, cooling can reduce the platelet activation response that drives results.
- If your hair is long enough to cover the treatment area, style it down rather than pulled back.
- Schedule sessions for late afternoon or evening so redness fades overnight.
Swelling
Mild swelling can occur, particularly when the frontal hairline or temples are treated. The injected fluid creates small raised areas that flatten within hours.
If swelling extends to the forehead (uncommon but possible):
- Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows for the first night.
- Gentle pressure with a clean cloth can help redistribute fluid.
- Forehead swelling, if it occurs, typically resolves within 24 to 36 hours.
Tenderness and Soreness
The scalp may feel tender or bruised for 1 to 2 days. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to take for discomfort.
- Do not take ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or naproxen for 3 to 5 days before or after PRP. NSAIDs inhibit platelet function and can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Aftercare Rules: The First 48 Hours
The first two days after PRP require a few restrictions to maximize results and prevent complications.
What to Avoid
| Restriction | Duration | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Hair washing | 24 hours | Allows injection sites to close, prevents irritation |
| Vigorous exercise | 48 hours | Elevated heart rate increases swelling and scalp blood flow |
| Direct sun exposure | 48 hours | UV can cause inflammation and irritate treated skin |
| Sauna, steam room, hot tub | 48 hours | Heat dilates blood vessels and increases swelling |
| Swimming (pool or ocean) | 48 hours | Chlorine and bacteria can irritate open injection sites |
| Topical minoxidil | 24 hours | Alcohol base can sting and irritate needle sites |
| Hair coloring or chemical treatments | 72 hours | Chemicals can cause scalp irritation at injection sites |
| NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) | 3-5 days post-treatment | Inhibits platelet function and undermines PRP mechanism |
What You Can Do
- Return to desk work the same day or next morning.
- Drive yourself home from the appointment.
- Style your hair normally (avoid aggressive brushing on day one).
- Resume topical finasteride after 24 hours.
- Apply gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the scalp if it feels dry after 24 hours.
- Sleep in any position that is comfortable. There are no graft survival concerns as with a transplant.
Concealing Treatment Signs at Work
PRP is one of the most discreet hair loss treatments available. Most patients return to work the same day or the next morning without anyone noticing.
Strategies by Hair Length
Short hair (under 1 inch): Injection site redness may be visible for the first day. Wear a cap or beanie if your workplace allows it, or schedule the session on a Friday afternoon to recover over the weekend.
Medium to long hair: Existing hair coverage makes injection sites invisible within hours. No special concealment needed. Simply wear your hair down rather than in a tight updo for the first day.
Shaved or buzzed scalp: Most visible scenario. Small red dots from needle entry points are noticeable for 24 to 36 hours. Consider scheduling before a weekend or wearing a hat for one day.
Timing Your Sessions
If concealment is a priority, schedule PRP sessions according to this framework:
| Concern Level | Best Scheduling |
|---|---|
| No concern (remote work, flexible schedule) | Any day |
| Moderate concern (office environment) | Thursday or Friday afternoon |
| High concern (client-facing role, short hair) | Friday evening or Saturday morning |
Most patients find that after their first session, their concern about visibility drops significantly because the recovery is faster and less noticeable than expected.
When to Contact Your Provider
PRP complications are rare, but contact your clinic if you experience:
- Swelling that worsens after 48 hours instead of improving
- Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever)
- Severe headache that does not respond to acetaminophen
- Numbness or tingling that persists beyond 24 hours
These symptoms occur in fewer than 1 percent of PRP patients. The vast majority experience nothing more than mild tenderness and temporary redness.
Planning Your PRP Schedule
PRP's minimal recovery is one of its strongest advantages over surgical options. You can maintain a normal work and social schedule throughout your entire treatment course, with each session requiring only a lunch-break-length appointment and a quiet evening afterward.
To determine whether PRP is appropriate for your stage of hair loss, review the Norwood scale or get a free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze. For data on expected density improvements, see our PRP density improvement guide.